Debt-free diploma

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Renee Casey is just 19, but she has already finished her tertiary education, is out in the workforce - and almost debt free.

Not wanting to have a HECS debt for years to come, Ms Casey chose to undergo her tertiary education at a private college and expects to have it paid off by next year.

Unlike many young Australians who are forced to live at home while they work off their university debt, Ms Casey plans to move out next year - with no HECS burden.

After completing year 12 at Cronulla High School in 2002,

Ms Casey did an advanced diploma in marketing, specialising in sports and entertainment management at APM Training Institute. The course took 12 months and cost $12,000. She now works in two part-time jobs in promotions and marketing.

"Of my friends from school, some didn't go to uni because they couldn't afford it and they didn't want to have that HECS debt," she said.